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AN ORIGINAL DRAMA. 





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A DRAMA 



OF THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE ACTUALLY 
GOING ON IN THE GEM OF THE ANTILLES. 



IN THREE ACTS. 



WRITTEN IN ENGLISH BY 

A JVATirJS CUBAJV. 



PHILADELPHIA : 

1878. 






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yo'Ko^'' 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by 

Adolfo Pierra, 

in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 
Right of translation reserved. 



2^ 



-^1 



4 



INTRODUCTION. 



This drama was not inspired under the excitement produced 
by the butcheries of the ill-tated Yirginius prisoners ; nor is its 
object to add fuel to the flame of just indignation enkindled by 
the revolting atrocities perpetrated by the Spaniards in Cuba. 
The plan was conceived five or six months ago, and ever since 
the author has devoted to the work every minute of time he 
eould spare from his regular occupations. 

The aim of the play is to present a faithful picture of the stir- 
ring events, manners, and life in the Central Department of that 
unfortunate island during the first half year of the present strug- 
gle for independence. The action is laid in Puerto Principe (the 
author's birthplace) and surrounding country. 

Although the battle in the last act did not take place as repre- 
sented, it is within the bounds of likelihood. Several engage- 
ments of about the same magnitude occurred at the time in that 
same district (Camaguey), in one of which, at least, the Spanish 
troops, under General Puello, were defeated with very serious 
losses. 

The requirements of the plot have compelled the author to 
locate Senor Blanco's hacienda close to the Cascorro Mountain, 
when in fact no hacienda of any importance is found v\ithin ten 
or twelve miles of it ; but this does not impair the versimilitude 
of the action. A great many well-to-do, and even wealthy fami- 
lies, in that part of the island abandoned the cities at the com- 
mencement of the revolution, under the impression that they 
would be safer in their country properties ; but hunted subse- 
quently by the Spanish troops with fiendish eagerness, they 
were often forced to seek rei'uge in tiie density of the forests or 
the fastnesses of the mountains, this being particularly the case 
with those families whose male relatives w^ere in the ranks of the 
patriots. Ko pen — ^no language could convey an accurate idea of 
the sufferings then endured by disabled old men, invalid matrons, ' 
delicate maids, and tender children. 



IV. 

In regard to the ferocity displayed by the Spaniards, both 
regulars and volunteers, in their war against the Cuban patriots, 
the author has purposely avoided touching the extremes. Act« 
of cruelty have been committed by them too revolting to be ex- 
hibited on the stage. Even in portraying the Spanish characters 
brought forth in the drama, the writer has endeavored to be 
moderate and just. 

Whether the author has been able to carry out his design j 
whether he has succeeded in so working up the action as to make 
it interesting; whether his characters are well delineated and sus- 
tained, are questions for an enlightened public to decide. 

THE AUTHOR. 
Philadelphia., Pa., Dec. 8, 1873. 



PRONUNCIATION AND EXPLANATION 
OF SPANISH NAMES AND WORDS USED IN THIS DRAMA. 



Almanegra, <Ll'mah-nay'graJi. 
Angel Castillo, Alui'hel Cast- , 

eeVlyoe. 
Antonio Blanco, Aii-ton'nyo6 
Blan'coe. 
ngusto A 
All-ran' goe. 
Bayamo, Bah-ee-ah'mo. 
Caballero, cah-bal-lyer'oh^ gen- 
tleman, sir. 
Canalito, can-al-eet'oe. 
Cascorro, CaH-co7''roh. 
Cisneros, Cis-ner'os. \ 

Coi'tez, Corteth'. i 

Conchita., Gon-tchee'tah. ' 

C'uba, Goo'bah. '< 

Cubitas, Goo-hee'tahs. j 

Diego, Deedy'goe. \ 

Don Juan, Done' Iloo-an'. \ 

Eni-ique, En ree'kay. 
Guanaja, Goo-ah-nah'hah. \ 

Ouaimaro, Goo-ah' eem-ah-roe. ' 
Jiguani, Hee-goo-ah-nee' . \ 

Linarez, Lee-nar'eth. 
Machete, mah-tcliay'tay^ a cut- i 
lass, two to three feet long, \ 
used by Cuban peasants to ! 
clear away bushes, etc., and { 
also as a weapon. j 

Mambi, 7nam-beeh', a nickname I 
applied by the Spaniards to ! 
the Cuban patriots. ! 

Mendez, Men'deth. i 



jVIanigua, man - eeh ' goo - ah. 
bushes. 

Miranda, Me-ran'dah. 

Monlero, Mon-tay'roe. 

Nino, masculine, niii'iiyo,l^mQ., 
feminine, nin'nyah, child, in- 
fant. These terms are used 
by the sMves in Cuba before 
the names of all white persons 
except their head masters and 
mistresses. 

Perez, Payr'eth. 

Perico. Pay-ree'koe 

Puerto Principe, Poo-ayr'toe 
Preen' cee-pay. • • 

Quesada, Kaysah'dah. 

Ricardo, Be-car'doe. 

Sabana, sah-hah' nah. A large 
plain, often covered with pal- 
mettoes, and sometimes dotted 
with palm-trees. 

Senor, sen-nyore', lord, sir, 
miste-T. " 

Seiiorita, sen-nyor-ee'tah, miss, 
voung lady. 

Tellez, Te'lyeth. 

Yara, Yar'aJi. 

Yalmaseda, Val-mah-say'dah. 

Viva Cubalibre, vee'vali Goo'bah 
lee'bra^^ Long live free Cubal 
hurrah for free Cuba! 

Viva Espawa, 'oeevah Bs-pan- 

nyah, Long live Spain! 



DRAMATIS PERSONJE. 

Rieardo Agudo, patriot general. 

Sehor Antonio Blanco, a rich haceudado. 

Enrique, his sou, a Cuban colonel. 

Central I ^^^*^^i7^^^ ^^ *^^ Spanish a^mJ^ 

Colonel Ramsey, an American in the Cuban service. 

Captain Montero, of the Spanish army. 

Don Juan, a Spanish volunteer. 

A Lieutenant, \ 

A Sergeant, > Spanish volunteers. 

A CorpoAil, ) 

Perico, a negro slave. 

A Cuban Aid-de-camp. 

A Cuban Surgeon. 

A Spanish Sergeant. 

ConcMta Blanco. 

Rosita Blanco. 

Camila, a middle-aged mulatto servant. 

Spanish Volunteers, Cuban Patriots, Negro Slates. 

Time of action. — Act. I. December, 1868 ; Acts II. and III. 
April, 1869. 

ISr For costumes and properties, see last page. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — Elegant drawing room in Seiior Antonio Blanco's 
house in Puerto Principe; walls painted white or a light color; 
large main door, one shutter open, U. R. ; large window, shut- 
ters wide open, with light iron railing on street, L. R. ; door 
in flat, C. , communicating with bed-room; large arched door, 
without shutters, L., leading into dining-room; a piano, ma- 
hogany cane-hottomed sofa and rocking-chairs, R., between 
door and window; co^rpet between sofa and rocking-chairs; 
round marble table with newspapers, C. ; chandelier lighted, 
cane-bottomed chairs, pictures, ^c. Time — night. 

Enter Ricardo Agudo and Enrique Blanco, R. ; take off and 
lay their hats on centre-table. 

Ricardo. My dear Enrique, I have highly important informa- 
tion to communicate to you privately. 

Enrique. I am impatient to hear it; but let us first make sure 
that we are not heard. We have to be extremely cautious just 
new. {Goes up to window, 'R, followed by Ricardo). 

Enr. {pointing off). Do you see those volunteers in that corner 
shop ? 

Ric. I do. 

Enr. Our house is closely watched by them. ( They come down, C. ) 
Oh, Ricardo! you, that have just arrived from the United States — 
from that classical land of liberty — do not know all we have had 
to suifer here lately. It was bad enough when we had to endure 
the despotism of the Spanish government alone; but since we are 
in the power of the volunteers, it is a hundred times worse. You 
won't recognize our native city. Puerto Principe is deserted 
to-day, half her dwellings abandoned to the rapacity of the vol- 
unteers, — of those men, who come to Cuba penniless, enrich 
themselves, and then become our worst enemies! 

Ric. How I long for the moment when I can face them in the 
field! 

Enr. Face them in the field! They won't give us the chance. 
They will let the regular army do all the fighting, whilst they 
will hold to the cities, seaports, and fortified places, where in 
safety they can oppress the defenceless inhabitants, and gloat 
over the bloody executions of the unfortunate patriots who may 
fall into their merciless hands. 

Ric. The villains! But we ought rather to be thankful to th«m, 
Enrique. They are learning us that we have nothing to expect 
from Spain in the way of justice and liberty, and they have thus 
assured our ultiiKiate independence. 



S THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act I. 

Enr. But to your news. 

Ric. 1 am coming to it. When 1 tirst heard in the United 
States the tidings of the Revolutionarv outbreak of Yara, I re- 
solved to come righi oti" and join my brothers in the tield. Having 
served in the Union army, my little military experience I knew 
Avould be of some value to my beloved country; but desiring to 
bring some material of war, which we so sorely need, I came first 
to Nassau, where in company Avith General Quesada and other 
]^atriolS, I succeeded in loadijig a schooner with a cargo of arms 
and ajumunition. As I was not yet suspected by tiie Spaniards, 
I came by steamer, via Havana, in the (nciinary way, and I have 
been these three days anxiously waiting to hear from that expe- 
dition. And now (lotoermg his voice) I have received private 
advice to the effect that General Quesada has succeeded in safely 
landing the arms at Guanaja. 

Ear. [cUUghted) Hurrah! My dear boy, give me your hand 
[they shake hands warmly). That is a Godsend to us. Why did 
you keep it so long from me? 

Ric. 1 must be oft' to-night, join my men in the Cubitas Moun- 
tains, and proceed under Gen. Quesada to distribute the arms 
where they may do most good. 

Ear. I w ould like to accompany you, Ricardo. 

Ric. You (mly anticipate my wishes. Being well acquainted 
with that part of the country, you are the YQvy man I want. 
Besides, by your influence among the peasants of that region, 
where one of your father's haciendas is, you can help to increase 
our forces. 

Enr. I have already over a hundred good men there, who only 
await my orders to move; but they are poorly armed. Scarcely 
one-half of them have firearms, mostly shot-guns. 

Ric. They will be well armed w-ithin twentj'^-four hours. Get 
read}^ to depart. I only w^ait to see Conchita — I mean your 
father and sisters, and bid them good-bye. 

Enr. They will soon be home. I left them at uncle Diego's. 
You know" that his family is preparing to leave the city with 
father and sisters. To morrow, before daybreak they will start 
for our hacienda on the Cascorro Mountains. 

Ric. I hope they will be safer there. 

Enr. {crossing to window). I think I hear them coming.' Y^'es, 
here they are. 

Enter Senor Antonio BiiANCO, Conchita, aiid Rosita, R. 
Senor Antonio, crosses the stage greatly agitated., deposits his 
hat and icalking-cane on piano., recrosses, and sits on rocking- 
chair, rocking and fanning himself with his handkerchief. 

Ric. {saluting). My best respects to you, senoritas. 

( Young ladies acknowledge salute with a slight bow ) 



Scene I. THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 9 

Ros. Your humble servant, cabellero. 

S. Ant. I choke! I choke! 

Con. {going up to him). But, papa, don't take it so much to 
heart. Treat them with the contempt they deserve. 

Ric. (soHcUously). What is the matter, Seiior Blanco? 

6". Ant. Don't ask me, Agudo, — don't. 

Con. Those-; volunteers at the corner have been speaking dis- 
repectlully of my father as we passed by. 

Ric. {angrily). The insolent curs! 

Enr. But what did they say? 

Ros. They called father old filibuster, mamhi^ and other stupid 
things. 

Ric. If I only had my lite to risk this moment, I would give 
them a lesson; but my country's interests compel me to be prudent 
just now. 

(CoNCHiTA aiid RosiTA take off their shawls, come down to piano, 
and lay them on it. Ricardo foUotcs them, and leaning on 
the piano., earnestly converses loith Conchita in dumb show; 
Enrique converses with Kosita.) 

S. Aiit. {out of temper, rises and walks to and fro). This is 
outrageous; tiiis is beyond endurance. 'Tis not enough for them 
to oppress up, to plunder us, to murder us. No, sir; they must add 
insult to injury, mockery to insult — 

Enr. (litopping and coaxing him.) Calm yourself, dear father. 
We will enter that in the long account we have to settle with 
them. 

Ros. Besides, papa, don't you know that the Spaniards vent 
their spleen in that way whenever they have intelligence of any 
reverse? That victory they claim in this morning's papers must 
have been rather a defeat. 

S. Ant. {cooling down). God grant it is so; Rosita! God grant 
it is so! 

Enr. And I have very good news to give you {lowering his 
Tjoice). General Quesada has landed with a cargo of arms. 

S. Ant. The Lord be praised, my son! the Lord be praised! 
( Converses with Enrique. ) 

Ros. llowgladlaml {Runs to Conchita.) Did you hear the 
news about Quesada? 

Con. Yes, Agudo has been telling me all about it. 

Ros. Isn't that good? 

Con. It is, indeed. 

(Rosita returns to C.) 

Enr. I promised Ricardo to go with him, I counted, of course, 
on your permission. 

S. Ant. Go, my son, go. I wanted you to accompany us to 
Cascorro, but the country is first. 



10 THE C UBAN PA TRIO TS. [ Act I. 

lios. Why, Enrique, are you going to leave us just now? 
Enr. Yes, Rosita, I am sorry I have to; but duty compels me. 

(IlosiTA runs to Conchita and Kicaiido, and converses 
with them.) 

S. Ant. I wish I was young, Enrique, I do; and, even old as 
I am, w^ere it not for my poor motherless girls, 1 would have 
been ere this fighting to iree my dear oppressed Cuba from the 
grasp of those Vandals. 

{Enter Camila, L. ) 

Cam. Master, su])per is on the table. 
S. Ant. All right, Camila, all right. 

{Exit Camila, L.) 

8. Ant. By-the-by, Enrique, at w hat time did Panclio leave 
with the pack-horses? 

Enr. At six o'clock; they were just ringing the Angclus. 

S. Ant. Did you send all the powder? 

Enr. I pftcked the fifty pounds so nicely with the victuals tiiat 
it will be all but impossible to find it out. 1 did it myself. Pow- 
der is at present more precious to us tlian gold dust. 

8. Ant. Let us have supper then. (To Rieardo.) Agiid<t, 
come and take a cup of chocolate with us, — do. 

Ric. I thank you, Seiior Blanco. 

8. Ant. Come, make yourself at home. 

Ric. I am very much obliged to you; but I have had mj- su])- 
per already. 

8. Ant. Well, I am sorry, {To young ladies.) Come, my 
children. 

{Exeunt Sexor Antonio and Enrique, L.) 

Ras. ISTow^ Agudo, you have a long ride before you to-night; 
come and have some supper again. 

Ric. Very sorry to have to refuse you; but I have no appetite. 

Gon. Go, Rosita, I will follow you. 

Ros. {gazing at them 'pertly). Oh, how dull I Avas! I see it 
now! 

Ric. What do you see? 

Ros. That lovers needn't eat at all; they can live and thrive on 
sweet words and sighs. 

{Exit Rosita., running, L.) 

Ric. {folloicing her playfully). Oh, you naughty little sylph. 
You will pay me that. {Returning). She is as smart as she is 
pretty. 

Gon. She is oia\j a child — not quite fifteen; but she is the sun- 
shine in the house — always full of mirth and fun. 



Scene I. ] THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 11 

Bic. Let us sit down, Conchita. {They go up and sit on sofa). 
This is the first time since my arrival that I have liacl the inefFabh; 
pleasure of being with you alone, and perhaps it will be the last. 

Con. {sadly). You break my lieart, Ilicardo. 

Bic. {quickly). Oh, forgive me, my darling, I meant the last 
time for — maybe a few months. {Takes her hand.) 

Con. {.nghing). Ah, Kicardo! promise me that you Avill let me 
hear from you as often ns you can. I will be so troubled thinking 
of the many dangers you have to encounter. 

Bic. I do promise h, my beloved Conchita But let us drive 
away those gloomy thoughts. Let me speak of you. Do you 
remember the first time I saw you. 

Con. It was before my mother's death — twelve years ago. I 
was then scarcely ten. 

Bic. I was myself onl}^ fourteen; but I will never forget the 
impression the first sight of you made on my youthful lieart — 

Con. {tenderly). Proceed, dear Ilicardo; tell me all about your- 
self. 

Bic. You know, dear Conchita, that shortly alter that time I 
was sent to a college in tlie United States. Four years later, my 
college education finished, I came to Puerto Principe, but you 
were not. at ihe lime, in tlK- city. 

C(ni. Wc were then s})ending a season in the country. 
. Bic. Expecting to inherit no riches, and desiring to learn a 
profession wiiereby I could reach a respectable and independent 
]30sition in society, I went back to Philadelphia, where I entered 
a medical college. I was successful in my studies, had all the 
degrees conferred ui)()n me, and finally obtained my diploma as a 
M.D., when I received the sad intelligence of my dear mother's 
death. I was so deeply atfected by this crushing blow, that I 
resolved to drown my grief in tlie excitement of the combats, 
and, Avith all my sympathies for the cause of the Union and of 
universal freedom, I joined the Northern army. 

Coil. You had then forgotten me ! 

Bic. I confess, dear Conchita, that your image connnenced to 
grow rather dim in m}^ mind. But when, the war ended, I came 
again to ]ny native city — when I saAV you {rising in entJiusiasm). 
tlie sprightly child of my bf)3ish recollection, groAvn into the 
beautiful and charming maid, I Avas enraptured. I felt as if an 
angel had been sent doAvn to lift me from this eartlil}" abode to 
enjoy the unalloyed bliss of heaven. Doubts, howcA^er, came to 
embitter my happiness. I feared I Avas unAvorthy of your love. 
The terrible thought struck me that some more fortunate mortal 
might have gained your affections. At last I mustered courage 
to declare my passion to you. Do jou remember, my SAveet Con- 
chita, that ball at the hall of the Philarmonic Society, four years 
ago to-morroAV ? {Moves closer and takes her hand.) 

Con. What delightful recollections, my beloved Ilicardo! But 



12 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act I. 

could you not read in my eyes, even before I told you so, that 
my heart l)Gat in unison with yours? 

Ric. I hardly dured flatter myself with the blissful thought at 
first. When I became aware that you reciprocated my love, I 
I could no longer bear the idea of departing from you again. I 
went to your fother to ask your hand. He didn't give me a flat 
refusal, but advanced so many reasons to {postpone a definite 
nnsw^er. {Bitterly,) Probably he thought I was too poor. 

Con. {reproachfully). You wrong my father, dear Ricardol 
No mercenary motives have ever influenced his actions. His 
onl.y objection was that we were too young yet. And then, 
he is reluctant to part with us, — he loves \i3 so dearly! ( Warmly.) 
The best, the fondest of parents, no efforts have ever been spared 
by him, even to the. sacrifice of his personal comforts, in order to 
insure our happiness. 

Bic. But wouldn't he have promoted your happiness by con- 
senting to our union — at least if it be true that you love me as 
passionately as I love you? 

Con. {sighing). Ah, Ricardo! j'ou are cruel! How^ could you 
for a moment doubt my entire devotion to you? It is for you tliat 
I have been pining away these last four years; for you I have 
lost all relish for society. M.y only pleasure has been to think of 
you, to dream of you, to read your loving letters over and over. 
No, my own Ricardo ; no more happiness for me unless I can. 
share it with you — {in an outburst of passion) with you, wiiom 
I love wdth all the power of my soul? {Lays her head on his 
bosom,. ) 

Ric. {rapturously embracing her, and imprinting a kiss on her 
forehead). Angel of love! Can the bliss of heaven be compared 
with this? 

Con. {raising her head and drying her eyes). But, alas! Ricardo, 
I believe in a God almighty and just, — I believe in filial dut}"^ and 
filial gratitude. I w^ould willingly sacrifice my life for you; but 
I value my duty above my life, I will never repay my father's 
love with base ingratitude. 

Ric. You are an angel of virtue, Conchita, Forgive my sel- 
fishness. And now you remind me — I was forgetting that I 
ought to be off by this time. 

Con. Let us hope for the best, dear Ricardo. 

Ric. If I could know at least — I must speak to your father 
before I leave. 

Con. I see no reason to despair. My father thinks well of you. 
I hear him coming. {Moves away from Ricakdo.) 

{Enter Se^or Antonio, L. Ricardo rises., and goes up to 
meet him^ C.) 

8. Ant Humph! humph! What have you been chattering 
about all this time? 



Scene I. ] THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 13 

Bic. Senor Blanco, I have but little time to spare, and must go 
straight to the point. It is in your hands to make me either the 
happiest or the most miserable of mortals. {Pause.) 

8. Ant. Go on, go on. I do not understand you. 

Bic. Four years ago you deterred giving me a final answer. 
You know I adore Conchita. I am aware that I hardly deserve 
her; but — were she to consent, would you honor me with her 
hand? 

(Pause. 8e:S^or Antonio /«/Zs into a thoughtful mood. Ricardo 
sJiows signs of anxiety^ and Conchita of uneasiness.) 

S. Ant. (calling) Conchita! 

Con. Sir! 

8. Ant. Come here, my darhng. 

(lliCARDO crosses to L. ; Conchita rises reluctantly and walks to 
C. with eyes doioncast.) 

8. Ant. Do you love Ricardo Agudo? 

Con. (greatly embarrassed). Papa, I 

8. Ant. Speak out candidly, my child, 

Con. (in an outburst of feeling). Dearest papa, I could not be 
happy with anybody else, (throws herself into his arms.) 

8. Ant. (struggling with his feelings.) 'Tis hard! 'tis hard! 
(Disengaging himself gently). But come, do not cry, Conchita, 
don't. You love each other, then, do you? Well, let it be so, — 
what else could I wish but my daugjiter's happiness? Agudo — 
or rather — Ricardo, my son, I had a great regard for your father 
and mother. I know you well, and I think you deserve my Con- 
chita. You have my assent. 

Ric. (grasping his hand in a transport of joy, and kissing it 
fervently.) Oh, thanks! thanks! Senor Blanco! I solemnly promise 
you to be always a dutiful and devoted son. 

8. Ant. But I suppose there is no hurry for the nuptials ; we 
are all going to quit the city, you know. 

Ric. You have made me so happy, Senor Blanco, that I feel I 
can trust my fate in your hands. Fix the time yourself. 

8. Ant. AYell, let me see, let me see. Suppose we say, with 
the will of God, in a year from now — that is, next Christmas. 

Ric. That will do. {grasping his hand warmly.) My gratitude 
will be eternal. 

Con. (embracing him in a transport of gratitude). Oh, my dear 
father! 

8. Ant. (suppressing his emotion). God bless you, my children! 
God bless you ! 

{Enter Rosita, L. Ricardo crosses to R. and'^ converses with 
Conchita.) 
Ros. What is the matter, papa? You look affected, and I see 
Conchita has been crying. What has happened? 



14 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act I. 

8. Ant. Nothing, Rosita, nothing; all is over now. Keep up 
your cheerfulness. I ■wish you Avould never grow any older. 
{pointing to Ricaroo). There is your future brother. 

Bos. {humorously). My brother! Why, papa, I thought you 
had been married but once. 

8. Ant. {suppressing a smile.) You knovv what I mean. I 
mean your brother-in-law. {Goes up, takes a newspaper from 
table, C; conies down to a rocking-ckaAr.^ sits doicn, puts on his 
glasses, and makes unsuccesful attempts at reading. ) 

Bos. Is he? {toliidAiiDO.) How^ do you do, my dear brother? 
How glad I am! Poor Enrique! he will have some rest uovv. I 
have so often teased and vexed him that I found no longer any 
fun in tlie sport. , Prepare yourself, then, to be annoyed to death. 

Bic. Mind, I am only your future brother as yet. 

Bos. iNo matter whether you are future, present, or past. I 
can conjugate in every tense, mood, number and person. 

Bic. Can you? You had better, then, go to a grammar school. 

Ros. That is a hint that I am childish. 

Con. That will do, Rosita! 

Bic. Let her alone with me, Conchita. She has found her 
match 

Bos. (quickly.) I hope not. I am too young yet for a match. 

Bnter Enrique, L , in traveling dress. 

Enr. I am ready, Ricardo. My horse is at the carriage-gate. 

(Rosita runs to Enrique, L. ; and engages in lively conversation 

-with him.) 

Bic. Dear Conchita, we must part now. {Takes a i ing from 
his vest pocket, and ha,nds it to her.) Keep this with the other 
tokens of \i\j love. 

Con. {t^ikes ring., kisses and puts it on her finger.) I value them 
more than all the treasures of the world. But I must, too, give 
you some memento. 

Bic. Nothing Avill I prize so highly as that white handkerclnef, 
moist yet with your precious tears. Here I Avill give you mine 
in exchange. {Tli^y exchange handkerchiefs. Bicardo places 
hers in hiis bosom inside the vest.) I Vvill carry it always on my 
heart. 

Con. {sighing). Ah, Ricardo! you carry my own heart with 
you. 

Bic. {embracing her). Farewell, my beloved Conchita! 

(CoNCKiTA struggles to conceal her grief.) 

Bic. {extending his hand to him). Dear Enrique, a new t^e binds 
us closer together. 

Enr. {grasping his hand and embracing him). I heartily wel- 
come you as a brother. 

Con. {moved) I trust you will take good care of each other. 



Scene I.J THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 15 

Ric. Tliat will be a pleasant duty tor me. 

Ros. {Talcing two cockades from her pocket and handing one to 
each). Here, brothers, this is some of my patriotic handiwork. 
You will appreciate it as something better than a mere keep- 
sake. 

Ric. (lookinff at it 2)l^(iffcd). The beautiful badge of our glori- 
ous revolution ! 

{■Enr. gazing at it). The Cuban cockade ! A silver star, in a 
red triangle, on a white and blue circlet ! 

{They deposit tlie badges in their pockets,) 

Ric. Thank you, Rosita. The time is not far distant when 
that briglit star of liberty shall shed its life-giving light over the 
Avhole breadth and length of our beloved Cuba ! 

Ros. God grant us to see that glorious day— and I am speaking 
now in earnest, — if not as poetically as my dear future brother, 

Ric. I have to tear myself from your company. Good-bye, 
IJosita. (Takes her hand.) 

Ros. Good-bye, Kicardo; take care of yourself. 

(SeS^or Antonio rises and walks to C. Rosita crosses to R.) 
Enr. Give us your blessing, father. 

(RiCAEDO and Enkique each take one of Senor Antonio's 
hands, and incline thkir heads.. 

S. Ant. {solemnly). May Almighty God pour His blessings 
upon you, my dear children, and upon the just and good cause 
you are going to struggle for; and I fervently, — I do most fer- 
vently beseech Him to protect you, to shield you from all the 
dangers you have to go tlirough. 

Ric. and Enr. Amen, dear father. {They kiss his hands.) 

8. Ant. Stand by each other, my children. Act like men 
whilst you have a breath of life left, and die, if deatii must come, 
like good Christians. That is my advice to you. 

Ric. I will endeavor to folloAv it. Good-b3^e, father. 

S. Ant. {embracing him). Good-bye! 

(Enrique embraces Senor Antonio ; then he affectionately em- 
braces CoNCHiTA and Rosita, kissing them on the forehead.) 

Enr. Good-bye, my father! 

8. Ant. Farewell, my son! 

Enr. Farewell, Conchita ! Good-bye, Rosita 1 

Con. and Ros. Farewell, Enrique ! 

Ric. {taking up his hat). Enrique, I have to go home, change 
mj clothes, and get my horse saddled. Don't forget your pass. 
We may meet some patrols before we leave the city. 

Enr. I have it with me. 



le . THM OUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act I. 

Ric. (embracing Conchita). Farewell again, my beloved Con- 
chita ! 

Con. Farewell, my clear Ricardo ! 

Exeunt Ricardo and Enrique, R. 

(Conchita hurries to window.) 

Ric. {without railing). Oh, what a painful effort it costs me to 
part with you, my darling I 

Con. All, my Ricardo ! My heart is too full for words. 

{They hiss each other through railing.) 

(Ricardo disappears. ^o^iHK runs to icindow and looks off.) 

8. Ant. It is after ten, my children, and we have to rise before 
daybreak. You had better retire. 

Ros. I doubt if we can, papa. I see somebody coming up the 
street who ^^'ill most probably call here. 

S. Ant. Who is it, Rosita V 

Ros. Colonel Almanegra. {Gomes down, Q.) 

S. Ant. {annoyed). What may bring him now ! This is a 
very unseasonable hour to pay visits. 

Ros. I wish 3-0U had never invited him to our house and 
feasted him, papa. 

8. Ant. I could not help it, Rosita. He was recommended to 
me by one of my best friends in Havana — ^}'ou know he was. 

(CoNcniTA walks languidly to a rocking-chair and sits down 
gloom 'ly.) 

Ros. He is a great bore. 

8. Ant. I am in no humor to enjo^^ his company. The very 
sight of a Spanisb uniform throws me out of temper now. Con- 
chita, try to get rid of him as soon and as politel}' as you can. 

Exit Senok Antonio, L. 

Con. I would rather be spared his presence. 
Ros. {sitting down near him). Let us have some fun at his ex- 
pense, Conchita. 

Con. I wish I was in your frame of mind, Rosita. 

{A light knock at the door., R.) 
Ros. Walk in ! 

Enters Col. Almanegra, R., takes off his cap, makes a bow, and 
lays cap on table ^ C, 

C. Al. Good evening, Seiioritas. 
Con. and Ros. Good evening, sir. 

Con. {coldly). Please take a seat, sir. 

C. Al. {sitting down). I beg your pardon, senoritas, for this 



Scene I. ] THE G UBAN PA T RIOTS. 1 1 

inopportune call, but I would not quit the city without taking 
leave of you. 

Bos. Are you going to leave us, Sefior Almanegra ? {Ironi- 
cally). How very, very sorry I am ! 

G. Al. Yes, Senorita, I must set out with my regiment within 
two hours. Those confounded insurgents are getting rather 
bold, but we will make them rue it. 

Bos. What I More troops against them ? I thought they were 
only a handful of bandits, who had been crushed out of existence 
— according to your last despatches. 

G. Al. Hum ! Senorita Rosita, these are very grave matters — 
far beyond a young mind's comprehension. 

Bos. {sarcasiically). Indeed ! They are beyond any hut a 
Spaniard's comprehension. 

(CoNCHiTA touches IXo^vuK'^clboic with a gesture of mild rebuke.) 

G. Al. {disconcerted). Ahem ! 

{Pause. ) 

G. Al. {to CoKCHiTA). What appears to be the matter with 
charming Concliita V You are low-spirited. 

Gon. Oh! nothing — I feel — slightly indisposed. 

Bos. Who should not feel indisposed and low-spirited, Seilor 
Almanegra, hearing you are going to leave us"? 

Gon. (quickly). Kosita! Have some sense! 

G. Al. {sharply). You are sarcastical, Senorita Rosita. Were 
you not a mere child, I would consider m^/self insulted. 

Enter Camila, L. 

Gam. Mna Rosita, Master Antonio wants you for a few min- 
utes. 

Gon. {to Bosita). Be back soon! 

Bos. I will. {Glances scornfully at Col. Almanegra.) 

Exeunt Rosita and Camila, L. 

G. Al. Senorita Blanco, I was anxious to speak to you alone. 
You returned my little note unopened. 

Gon. I did, sir. I did not consider it decorous to receive pri- 
vately a letter from a gentleman with v/hom I have been ac- 
quainted but a short time. 

G. Al. Senorita Conchita, are you unconscious of the passion 
you have enkindled in my breast? 

(Conchita spriiigs up and comes down C. Col. Almanegea 
folloiDS her.) 

Gon. {firmly). Excuse me, sir; but I cannot— I will not listen 
to you unless you drop the subject. 

G. Al. Ah! Senorita! Are you entirely void of feeling? lam 



la TUB UUBAY PATRIOTS. [Act I. 

a colonel in the Bpauish regular army, and my prospects are 
brilliant ibr a higher rank and nuiriial glory. I ys\\\ lay it all at 
your feet. 

Con. I tliank you ibr your otlbr, tjut I cannot accept it. 

^. jU- But Avill you not let mc at Ic.-.dt entertain soiuf^ hope? I 
can wait. 

Ctni. (with difjnity). ^iy decision is final, sir! 

S. Al. {sterrdy). You shall repent i^Jighting nie in this man- 
ner. 

Con. I "would not be true lo iiiyself, were I to act ditlerently. 

8. Al. {angrily). You forget that I have power to do your 
family either much good or great injury. (Conchita starts. ) Oh ! 
I know well you are all insurgents at heart. Y'ou may soon be 
glad to accept my services. {Takes his cap, and salutes haught- 
ily.) Good-night, Sefiorita. 

Con. Good-night, sir. 

Emt Col. Almaneg'ka, L. 

Enter Rosita (uul Peeico, L. Peiiico goes up to door L., shuta., 
holts, and locks it; then comes down to window., and does the 
same. 

Bos. I am so glad he is gone! 

Can. He is angr}- because I rejected him. 

Ros. I detest him, 

(A sharp and prolonged lohistle heard without, R., after which 
the night-watch cries oat the hour.) 

Watch {'Without). Half-past ten, and fair weather! 
Ros. Half-past ten already ! 
Con. We must retire, Rosita. 

Ros. I would like lirst to see my drav»ing materials and some 
lavorite books packed up in some of the trunks. 

[Loud knocks at the door, R. All start.) 

Con. What is that, Pcrico ? 
. Per. Don't know, Niiia; somebody is knocking. 

Enter Se:Soii Antonio, L. 
8. Ant. {impatiently) . Who is there, Perico? Open the door. 
(Pertco unlocks and opens the door). 
Enter Boi^ JvAi^ in a flurry. 

All. Don Juan ! 

8. Ant {anxiously). What is the matter, Don Juan? 

D. Ju. {out of breath). Excuse me if I alarm you. I had hard 
work to get aw^ay unnoticed, and come before 'them. My com- 
pany is coming to search your house and arrest you, and they 



SctK E I. ] THE C UBAN PA TEIO TS. 19 

are so infuriate against you, Senor Don Antonio, tliat I fear fliey 
will commit some atrocities. 

(Perico shuts and locks the door.) 

S. Ant. But -what have I done? 

D. Ju. One of our patrols arrested some of your servants out- 
side the city, and they found with them a quantity of powder 
and some papers implicating you in the insurrection. 

Con. and Eos. God help us! 

Con. Dear j-apa ! save yourself. Run to uncle Diego's — do, 
papa. (TJnoirs her arms around his neck.) 

(RosiTA hurries to piano and brings Mm Ms hat and cane.) 

S. Ant. {resolutely). I will never leave you behind while I 
live, ray dear c3)ildren. 

(CoNCHiTA and RosiTA take and put on their shawls hurriedly.) 

I). Ju. Be calm. I will save you. 

Con. God will reward you, Don Juan! 

S. Ant. I will he ever grateful to you. 

!Z). Ju. It is an old debt of gratitude I am trying to pay to you 

8. Ant. {surprised.) Tome! 

D. Ju. Mayl)e you forget; but I will refresh 3^our memory. 
It was a great many years ago. I was on the brink of bankruptcy 
and ruin, Avhen your timely pecuniar}' aid saved me. 

S. Ant. But jon paid me back every dollar. 

D. Ju. I did it at my ease. You did not require even my sig- 
nature; but blindly trusted my w^ord. That act I will never forget, 
Senor Don Antonio. I am a volunteer — I have to be a volun- 
te( r — but {deltemently) they shall have to pass over my corpse 
before they can harm jow or an\^ of your family. 

Con. imo'ded). God bless you, Don Juan. 

S. Ant. {grasping his hand heartily). You have a noble soul, 
Don Juan. If all the Spaniards in Cuba were like you, we would 
never have had all these troubles. 

I). Ju. There is no time to lose. It is dangerous to go out in 
the street now. {Pointing to door, C.) That adjoining house is 
unoccupied, I think. 

>S'. Ant. It is, it is. 

I). Ju. Get me a crowbar. 

8. Ant. Perico, run for a crowbar. Hurry up! 

Per. Yes, master. 

Exit Perico, running. L. 

D. Ju. We will break through one of your back rooms into the 
yard of that house. We can easilj" climb over the wall that sepa- 
rates that yard from my own. Once in my house you are safe. 
Nobody suspects me. I will afterwards find means of getting you 
out of the city. 



20 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act I. 

Enter Camila, L,, running a ad frightened. All start. 

Gam. Oh, Master Antonio ! Master Antonio ! the volunteers ! 
the volunteers! Thej^ are at the carriage-gate; I saAv them, I 
heard them. Oh, Lord! 

1). ■hi. {quickly). Is the gate fastened? 

Cam. It is locked. 

D. Ju. Follow me, then. 

Exeunt omnes, L., in great alarm and confusion., Senok An- 
tonio endeavoring to make all go befoi e Mm. 

{Loud and repeated knocks at the door, L.) 

Voices {without, imperiously"). Open the door! 

{Thumping and clanking of muskets ; murmurs.) 

Voice. Knock down the door! 

{After heavy and repeated blows the door is broken open.) 

^Vi^^r Lieutenant, Sekgeant, Corpokal, a^icZ Volunteers, 
acting in a riotous manner. 

Volunteers {shouting). Viva Espana! 

Borne Vol. Down with the insurgents! 

Others. Death to rebels and traitors. 

Lieut. Order, boys, order! Corporal, take some men, and com- 
mence 3^our search from that bedroom {pointing to door, C). 
Sergeant, you go through the dining-room {pointing to door, L.) 
into the yard. Be cautious; they are in the house; but try to take 
as many of them alive as you can. 

Serg. I vrill, lieutenant, if I can. 

Corp. Hang the traitors! I would give no quarter to any — ex- 
cepting the girls — they are pretty. Ka! ha! ha! 

Several Vols, {laughing). Ha! ha! ha! 

j&a:ewn^ Sergeant and some Volunteers, L. ; Corporal and 
some others, C. 

Lieut. Search everything, boys. {He and some Volunteers 
walk to piano, open every p^art of it, take out papers, ^-c.) 

1st Vol. Here is more damning evidence — a bullet-mould ! 
{Passes it to others.) 

%d Vol. Two revolvers! {Hands them to others.) 

\st Vol. This is a neat case! Let me see. {Op)ens it.) Bits of 
silk stuff! By Jove! the insurgents' colors! Some silver stars! 
Confound them! {Tosses case across the stage.) 

Lieut, {looking at some neicspapers). These are some Yankee 
papers! Aha! degenerate race! They would even renounce our 
beautiful Castilian language ! Down with them all ! {Flings 
papers away indignantly.) 



Scene L ] THE C UBAN PA TBIOTS. St 

Ut Vol. I tell you, lieutenant, this house was a hotbed of trea- 
son. 

M Vol. {looking at a picture on wall). Halloo! here is that 
cursed filibuster. (In a rage tearing canvas with his bayonet.) 
There! I -would do the same to your old carcass if I had you here 
this minute. 

Enter B'EUGBA'iii atncf Yolukteehs, L., hurriedly and agitated. 
All crated around him. Great excitement to end of Act 

Serg. (breathless). Tliey have escaped! 

L.ieut. (quickly). Wllat^vay? 

Serg. Through a hole in the Tvall into the next house (poipjing 
back). They are just through, for I heard some noise as we came 
on the spot. 

Lieut, {runs to door., R., and speaks to men without). Lieu- 
tenant Perez, run with your men and break into that adjoining 
house. IBe smart; the birds are there now. {Returns, C.) Ser- 
geant, you go after tliem through tliat passage iu the wail. (Ex- 
eunt Seroeant and some Volunteers, L.) We will catch them 
yet, boys. 

Volunteers. Death to insurgents! Viya Espana! 

K2^D OF ACT I, 



82 THE C UBAN PA TRIO TS. [ Act IT. 



A.( T II. 

Scene. I. A craggy slope on the Ca'^corro Mountains; rocks 
i7iterspersed icith luxuriant freer, and other tropical vegeta- 
tion; a cliffy L.L; a rustic hut thatched with palmetto leaves, 
l^i.U.] o7ily entra7ice, U. Time— noon. 

Pektco, Camila, and Negroes, the latter lounging about. All 
the Negroes carry the machete, and some of them pjistoh in 
their girdles. 

Per. Are you tlirougli with your work in tlxe hut, Camila? 
Our master and misses will sliorlly be here. 

Cam. I liare made it as comfortable as I can. Poor nifias! so 
tenderly raised, and to be compelled to live in ihrse mountains 
like runaway negroes! 'Tis awful, this war! All is friixhts and 
dangers, and you hear nothing but fighting, and burning, and 
shooting, and killing — {putting her hands on her head)., Oh, 
Lord! May the blessed Virgin Mary protect us! Only three 
months ago we had to fly the cit}- to escape the fury of the volun- 
teers, and now we have to abandon the hacienda for fear of the 
troops coming so near; and the Lord only knovrs whether we are 
safe even here. 

Per. You can be easy on that point, Camila. A fev,^ men can 
prevent any number from ever reaching here There is but that 
one {pointing downicards, R.) narrow and very steep path leading 
up to this place. 

Cam. But if the Spaniards find out that we are here, can't they 
shoot at us with Ihose big bursting balls ? 

Per. Do you mean that they may shell us? No danger of tliat, 
They should have first to clear away the thick woods suri'ound- 
ing and covering this mountain. I wisli they vrould venture into 
the job — wouldn't we then have jolly times killing Spaniards? 

CiLm.. You greatly relieve me, Perico. I would' die with grief 
if anything happened to my misses, particularly to Nina Conchita 
— she is so good! I love her as my daughter ; I nursed her ever 
since she was born. 

(J. sharp lohistle oyithout, R.) 

Cam. What is that, Perico ? 

Per. That is a signal from our nearest guard. It means that 
some fi'iendly people are approaching. We have two more posts 
farther down at lU'oper distances; so we needn't fear a surprise. 
{Looking off., R.) Master is coming. 

Ca7n. They will be awful tired. Poor ninas! (Ooe<t v.p into 
hut and bring.<i down some wooden stooU; then she retires into hut. 
Perico retires up.) 

Enter Sexoi; A.ntois'io, Cokchita, Rosita, and some Black 



Sct,NE I. ] THE G TIB AN PA TRIO T8. 23 

Boys and Negresses ; the latter, carrying baskets and bundles, 
go up into hut. Cokchita and Rosita carry parasols and 
some wild flowers. 

S. Ant. Thank God vre are at the end of our jcurney. Sit 
down and rest yourselves, my poor children. You are weary. 

(All sit doicn. Sexob Antonio takes off his hat and wipes Ms 
forehead.) 

Con. Oh, no; papa ! This exercise has done me a great deal 
of good. It is a change at least. 

Ros. I have enjoyc^;! hugely this climbing up. What a deli- 
cious breeze here! "Oh ! see, (Jonchita ! {Rising and pointing cjf, 
R.) Look yonder through the tops of those trees. {Enraptured.) 
What splendid scenery ! Look at that broad sabana, covered with 
ricli pasture, and dotted all over with our beautiful palm trees — 
their white stems, erect like marble columns, graceful! y uprcaring 
to the air their wid(_'-spreading crovvus of emerald-green leaves ! 
And the cattle, like variegated specks, scattered about ! And the 
whole landscape encompassed by that limpid, 'liue sky, and lit up 
by the noontide blaze of our tropical sun ! 

5. Aut. Beautiful, Rosita, sublime I Tou are inspired. You 
have fired me up, too, and I will give you a bit of my own in- 
spiration. (Bifics.) 

RoH. {in a glee). Will you! Oh, do, papa, by all means. 

S. Ant. {declaiming). Here we are in Free Cuba; we breathe 
the air of liberty. Persecuted, chased as we are, we do 
no longer bend our necks under the degrading yoke of the 
tyrants. We may have to live in these woods like wild beasts, 
feed on wild fruits, wear primitive garments ; but we can lift up 
our heads, and say to the world : "We are freemen ! " (Sits 
down.) 

Ros. (Applauding). Bravo, papa, bravo ! I M'as not aware 
that you could act so vrell, and yet be expressing nothing but 
your real sentiments. (To Conchita.) Now is your turn, Con- 
di ita. 

Con. {smiling sadly). You go on, Rosita. I like to see papa 
in good spirits. 

IS. Ant. (fondly). Poor Conchita ! Why won't you join us? 
You look so sad. 

Con. {drying a tear). Ah, papa I I have such dark misgiv- 
ings. A tull month and not to hear from liim 1 If he were living 
he would not let me suffer so. 

S. Ant. But, nvf dear child, I do not see any reason for your 
apprehensions. Our communications are irregular and insecure ; 
yet anything of importance soon transpires throughout the extent 
of Free Cuba. Ricardo holds a high rank in our army, and had 
ho been killed or captured, Ave would have heard of it. ]More 
likely he has written, and some mishap has befallen the couriers. 



24 THE CUBAN PATBI0T8, [Act II. 

( Whistle as before. "RosiTA-goes up and looks off, R.) 

S. Ant. {rising). Somebody is coming. I hope it is Enrique. 
(Tenderlj/). Cheer up, Conchita, do. 
Con. I will try, papa. 

(Pause.) 

Eos. (o'Cerjoyed). 'Tis Enrique 1 How glad I am ! We will 
now have all the news. 

winter Enuique, R. ; embraces Rosita, and then Conchita. 

Mos. Embrace me the first. 

Con. (affectionately). Enrique ! 

3nr. Your blessing, father. 

S. Ant. {ghing his handtoMsi). God bless you, my son. I 
am happy to see you well and sound. 

Ros. What is the news, Enrique ? Tell us the news. 

E7ir. (sitting down and wiping his forehead). Let me take 
breath, Rosita. 

Ros. {sportively). Well, do. I will help you. {Fans his face 
with her handkerchief.) Have you enough? 

Enr. Be still. {Opens his satchel and takes out a handful of 
newspapers, letters^ ^-c.) Conchita, my first news is for you. 

Con. Ricardo— — 

Ejir. Yv^ill soon be here. I sent hiui a guide to show him the 
way. 

Con. {transported^. Thank God! 

8. Ant. I told you so, Conchita. 

Enr. (handing her a letter). This letter is from him. 

Con. {Hnalching it eagerly). Oh, thank you, Enrique, thank 
you I {TremulouHly tears letter open; retires up., sits on a rock^ 
and reads letter omr and oner., kissing it., and showing other signs 
of joy.) 

Enr. {laying some papers on a chair). Here are some journals 
from the outside world. 

Bos. I thank you for them; but give us your news. 

E?ir. I have such a full budget of it that I don't know where 
to commence. 

S. Ant. Tell us about the fighting yesterday. {Sits dotcn.) 

Enr. We had only a brush with One of General Almanegra's 
regiments. I had two hundred men in ambuscade; but they were 
so short of ammunition that Ave could not do much. As it was, 
we killed and disabled about a score of the enemy with little loss 
on our side. 

;S'. Ant. You spoke of General Almanegra. Has he been pro* 
moted : 

Enr. As a rev.ard for his cruelties rather than for his bravery. 
He gives no quarter, and has no respect either for sex or age. 

S. Ant. I was never deceived in my opinion of him. He is 
cruel and tyrannical, even to his own men. 



Scf:^EL] THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 25 

Enr. You heard of the death of the noble General Augusto 
Arango. 

IS. Ant. I did, and I heard all about Angel Castillo, also. 

Enr. Angel Castillo died fighting like a hero. He fell on the 
very Spanish intrenchments, sword and revolver in hand, whilst 
gallantly leading his men to the assault. Even the Spaniards 
paid a tribute to his bravery by burying him with the honors of 
war. But Augusto Arango was treacherously and cowardly 
assassinated in Puerto Principe, {indignantly.,) and his bleeding 
remains were most ignominiously treated — literally dragged 
through the streets by a mob of volunteers. 

Bos. What fiends incarnate ! {Weeping.) Poor Augusto! How 
our good friends are falling (me by one! 

Enr. Poor Eosital We only begin. I hope you will not have 
to shed many tears before we are through. 

8. Ant. Come, liosita, don't cry. Let us change the subject, 
Enrique. How far has our Chamber of llepresentatives, now 
sitting at Guainiaro, advanced in its labors? 

Enr. They iiave acted most speedily and harmoniously on all 
the most important matters. Our government will be thoroughly 
republican and democratic. Every libert}^ is guaranteed in the 
constitution just framed by them, and they have unanimously 
elected General Cespedes as our president. 

(RosiTA goes up to Conchita, and then both go into hut.) 

8. Ant. I confidently expected that result. Carlos Manuel de 
Cespedes dcbervts that honor for his patriotism, his talents, and 
his energy, 

Enr. {handing Mm a pamphlet., open, and indicating with Ms 
finger). This is our constitution. I call your attention to that 
article. 

8. Ant. {puts on Ms sptectacles and reads). "All the inhab- 
itants of the Republic of Cuba, without distinction on account of 
race or color, shall be equally free. {Rising.) That will do. 
( Galling . ) Perico ! 

Per. {coming down, and taking off Ms hat). Sir! 

8. Ant. Call all the boys together, and the girls too. [Con- 
ver.'^es with Enrique,) 

Per. {going up and calling). Roberto, Juan, Ceferino, Tomas, 
Ana, Marta, and so forth, come here, every one of you. Master 
wants you all. 

(Negroes and Negresses come down., forming a group, L. ) 

8. Ant. Boys, w^ould you like to be free ? 

(Perico and Negroes wMsper eagerly among themselves.) 

Per. Master Antonio, w^e have before talked this matter over ; 
but as my companions cannot explain themselves as well as I 



26 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act II. 

can, the}- have, after consulting together, chosen me to speak for 
them. 

Enr. Bravo, Perico! Yon have already succeeded in getting 
yourself elected into office. You will make an excellent politician. 

Per. Brains and learning, Nino Enrique, are bound, sooner or 
later, to come foremost everywhere. I will ever be grateful to 
your condescension for my little learning. 

Enr. Be careful, Perico, lest you prostitute those gifts by using 
them unfairly or for unworthy purposes. 

S. Ant. But let us come to our business. 

Per. {respectfully hut firmly). Master Antonio, speaking with 
due respect, I will say that, were we to remain in bondage, we 
could not be blessed with better masters. We have been more 
fortunate on this score tlian the great majority of our brethren. 
"Well fed, well clad, never overw^orked — few if any of us ever 
having felt the smart of the whip, our life has run comparatively 
smooth and happy. But the bare satisfaction of our ])hysical 
wants is not enough. There is a higlier aspiration implanted in 
every human heart, no matter to what race we may belong. 
You ask us whether v/e would like to be free. Ask us rather 
whether we v.ould be raised from the condition of mere things 
— from the condition of a merchandise, to be owned and bartered, 
to the condition of men, and you will find the answer in your 
own heart. 

Enr. Very well spoken, Perico ! 

8. Ant. Hear then, boys. By the sovereign will of the people 
of Free Cuba, as written down in this constitution, you are de- 
clared absolutely and unconditionally free. 

Per. (transported, waving his hat). Hosanna! hallelujah! Bc-ys, 
viva Cuba libre! 

Negroes, (throwing up their hats, and making other demonstra,- 
tions of wild delight.) Viva! viva! 

Per. That will do now, boys, order! 

Enr. Boys, I would not dampen your just exultation for the 
world; but it is my duty to inform you. You Avill only enjoy 
your freedom under the"^ flag of Free Cuba, and we have yet to 
fight very hard for the success of that flag. You must help us 
in our struggle for liberty and independence. 

Per. (determinedly). Lead on, Nino Ennque! We are eager 
for the fray. (Negroes gesticulate accordingly.) 

Enr. And let me give you a little w\arning. The Spaniards are 
trying to deceive you with promises of abolition; but even if the 
Madrid government were in good faitii, and decreed your eman- 
cipation, the measure could never be carried out so long as the vol- 
unteers have control in Cuba,. — those volunteers being the tools of 
a clan of heartless pro-slavery men. 

Per. I am aware of that, Nino Enrique; and I have been en- 
lightening the boys on the subject. 



Sc E.NE I. ] THE C UBAN PA TBIOTS. 27 

8. Ant. One word more, boys, I do not know how much I 
will be worth by the time this war is over; but, should wx come 
out victorious, I will at least have my lands left. I will give you 
each a proportionate tract of land. To those willing to remain in 
my service , I will pay fair wages. 

Per. (icarmly). We thank you from our hearts, Master An- 
tonio. Boys, viva our good master! 

Negroes. Viva! viva! {Demonstrations as before.) 

S. Ant. You can go now ; and try to be honest men and 
women. 

(Perico and Negroes scatter up, forming small groups, con- 
dersing, ^c.) 

Enr. I never felt so happy in my life, dear father. 

8. Ant. AVe are making a great sacrifice, my son; but the greater 
the sacrifice, the deeper the inward satisfaction in doing what is 
right. 

Enr. (looking at >}{>me papers in his hand). I wonder how 
wrong and iniquity do sometimes prevail over right and good! I 
come here across an infamous proclamation, just issued by Gen- 
eral Valmaseda, which stamps the ofiicial seal upon the atrocities 
perpetrated by the Spaniards in Cuba. Read that, father. {Hands 
him a paper, and marki it icith his finger.) 

8. Ant. {iake.'i the paper and reads, growing indignant as he 
proceeds). "Every man above the age of fifteen found outside his 
habitation without a justifiable motive shall be shot. Every house 
not displaying a white flag shall be reduced to ashes. AH men 
and women found outside their dwellings shall be, willingly or 
by force, carried toBayamo or Jiguani." {In a passion, walking 
to and fro.) But this is infamous! this is atrocious! this is fiend- 
ish! Houses burned down! Mere children shot! Women carried 
ofi" by force! Are we in the nineteenth century? Are the Span- 
iards civilized ? 

Enr. Spanish v, riters have excused the cruelties of Pizarro and 
Cortez during the conquest of America by attributing them to the 
barbarism of that age. How will they now justify these barbari- 
ties in Cuba? 

8. Ant. {stopping abruptly). Enrique, I must go immediately 
to the hacienda. 

Enr. I do not think it prudent, father. 

8. Ant. What is your last information about Almanegra's col- 
umn ? 

Enr. They were encamped this morning two leagues oflf, near 
the village of Cascorro; but likely their scouting parties are hov- 
ering about. 

8. Ant. That is precisely what prompts me to go to the haci- 
enda. The houses wall be assuredly burned down. No white 
flag shall ever be raised on any of my properties to save them 



28 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act II. 

from destruction at the hands of the tyrants, — never! But, En- 
rique my son, I liave a treasure there I must try to save for my 
children's sake. 

Enr. Your life, dear father, is worth more than any treasure. 

S. Ant. It won't take me long. You know that black coffer. 
It is not very large ; but it contains, besides the little gold we 
have left and your sister's jewels, many invaluable papers — the 
titles to my estates, my will, and other precious documents. I 
thought they ivere safe; but they are not safe against fire. I will 
secure them better. {Turning to ^'e.gho'e.^, and calling.) Boys, 
I want four of you to come with me to the hacienda. 

Negroes {coming down hurriedly.) Me! master, me! 

Per. Master, we are all ready, and willing to follow you any- 
where. 

8. Ant. Perico, pick four stout men to go with me. 1 want 
you to stay here. 

(Perico selects four, who heep waiting; tJie rest disperse up.) 

Enr. Why don't j^ou wait awhile, father? Ricardo will soon 
be here. I have an appointment with him on very important 
matters connected with the service. I will accompany you after 
I see him, or take measures for your safety. 

S. Ant. Never mind, Enrique; moments are precious now. 
( Galling. ) Gondii ta 1 Rosita ! 

Enter Conchita a7id Rostta fro7n hut. 

Con. Sir! 

8. Ant. My children, I have to go to the hacienda. 

Con. Oh, papa! can't I have a full hour without trouble. You 
know it is dangerous. 

8. Ant. Be ea&y, Conchita; in two hours I will be back. (To 
Negroes.) Come, boys. 

Bos. I will accompany you to the first post. 

Exeunt Senor Antonio,- Rosita, and four Negroes. 
( Whistle as before.) 

Enr. That must be Ricardo. 

Con. It is my fate never to enjoy complete happiness. The 
pleasure of meeting Ricardo after three months' absence is now 
embittered by apprehensions for my father's safety. 

Enr. I tried to dissuade him from going just now, although I 
have not much apprehension. I hardly expect any of the enemy 
will risk coming to the hacienda — it is too close to these moun- 
tains, where they know we are in some force. 

Enter Ricardo and Rosita, R. Conchita rushes to meet Mm, 
and they fall into each other^s arms. 

Bic. {kissing her impassionately). Conchita! 
Con. Ricardo! 



ScekeL] the CUBAN patriots. 29 

Bos. {to Enrique). Let them alone now. 

Etc. How do you feel, my darling? You look rather tlii and 
a little sunburnt,' but as beautiful as ever. 

Con. Oh, dear Kicardo! how much I have suffered all this time 
I was without news from you! But this moment's happiness fuMy 
compensates me for years of torture. 

Bic. {turning to Ekrique and ernhracing him). How are you, 
Enrique? 

Enr. Very well; how do you do? 

Bic. Well and hearty. Rosita, I salute d you before. 

Bos. You did, Hi — I am at a loss to know how to address you. 
Let me see. {Counting on Jier fingers.) Plain Ricardo, Senor 
Agudo, Doctor Agudo, Major-General Agudo, of the Cuban arm3^ 
My goodness! how much can be contained in a future brother-in- 
law 1 

Bic. Always the same, Rosita! 

Bos. Certainly, always the same. I intend never to be trans- 
formed into anybody else. Oh! I see 3'ou carry a small telescope. 

Bic. This is "my lield-giass. 

Bos. Lend it to me, v;ill yon? I was missing so badly my 
opera-glass to look at the fine country around! 

Bic. (giving her the glass). Be careful not to let it fall on those 
rocks. I could not do well without it. 

Bos. {pleased). Thank you; I will take care of it. {Buns be- 
hind the cliff and climbs up it.) 

(Ricardo and Concuita sit dotcn by eccch other and converse.) 

Enr. Take care, Rosita! You may slip down and hurt jomy- 
self. 

Bos. {on top of cliff^). ISTo fear of that; I can climb up like a wild- 
cat. {Looks through glass, Jj.) That won't do. I must adapt it 
to my sight. {Adjusts the glass and looks again.) JSTot quite yet. 
{Adjusts it again and looks.) That's it. How plain! I see Cas- 
001 ro; and yonder is Gruaimaro. {Brings the glass to bear doion- 
■wards, L.) And here is the hacienda! It looks as if I could 
reach it with my hands. {Keeps looking off.) 

( Whistle as' before.) 

Ric. Dear Conchita, I shall have to forego the happiness of 
your company. That is undoubtedly Colonel Ramsey, whom I 
am waiting for. I bade one of my aids-de-camp lead him here. 
Enrique, I will introduce you to a brave American officer in the 
Cuban service. He arrived by the steamer "Perit" with Gen- 
erals Cisneros and Jordan. There he comes. {Bises and ad- 
vances to meet him.) 

Enter Colonel Ramsey. Conchita retires up a little. 

Bic. {grasping his hand warmly). How do you do, Colonel? 



30 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act II. 

Col. Ram. Very well, I thank you, General. {Takes off his 
hat, wipes Ms forehead^ and fans himself with his straw hat.) 

Ric. {pointing to a chair). Rest yourself. You ;ire fatigued. 

Col. Ram. Oh! not at all. I am not so tired as I arri overheated. 
It is rather too warm to come up such a steep mountain. {Puis on 
his hat.) 

Ric. I beg your pardon for giving you such exercise in the 
middle of the day. {Introducing.) Colonel Blanco — Colonel 
Ramsey. {They shake hands heartily.) 

Col. Ra7n. How do you do. Colonel Blanco? 

En7'. I feel extremely happy with your acquaintance, Colonel 
Ramsey. 

Ric. {calling) Conchita! {Introducing) Colonel Ramsey — Seii- 
orita Blanco, my betrothed! 

Col. Ram. {taking off' his hat and bowing). I feel highly flattered 
with your acquaintance, Miss Blanco. 

Con. {bowing). I am honored with yours, Colonel Ramsey. 

Enr. I am very sorry that Vv-e cannot extend to you our hospi- 
talities in this wilderness as we desire. But we can otter you 
some refreshment. Conchita, have something prepared for us. 
{Conchita starts up.) 

Col. Ram. Don't disturb yourself on my account, miss. I had 
some dinner before I came up. 

Con. You won't refuse some fruit at least. 

Exit Conchita into hut. 
Ric. Let us sit down, and to our business. 
{The three sit down.) 

Col. Ram. I delivered the arms and ammunitions I convoyed 
salely into the hands of your quartermaster. 

Ric. I gave orders to distribute them as soon as the}^ were 
received. ( T6» Ek kique. ) I left instructions to send some fixed 
ammunition to your command. 

Enr. Vie cannot move unless we get it. 

Ric. Our Chamber is in session at Guaimaro, and I have orders 
to prevent thaL Spimish column from disturbing them at all 
hazards. Have you estiuiated their strength ? 

Enr. They have four regiments of infantry, a hundred horse- 
men and four field-pieces. Considering that their regiments are 
not full, we may compute their forces at tAventy-five hundred 
men. 

Ric. How ir.any available men have you got, Colonel Ramsey ? 

C'l. Ram. Tv»'o hundred men. Many of them are Americans. 

j.ic. What is ycur strength. Colonel Blanco ? 

Enr. I have "tour hundred men — two hundred of them well 
moimied. 

{r,ui'^e, RicAiiDo muse.i.) 



feci.^ eL] the c uban pa trio ts. a 1 

Bic. We will attack them to-night. Incluc]in,r all, I v.ill iur\'o 
tAvo thousand men. Colonel Kanisry, I yaIII increase your force 
with three hundred of my best men. 1 give 70U some of those 
iron soldiers of the Eastern Department, v.'hose mettle has been 
severely tested. They are worthy to stand side by side with your 
gallant American freemen. 

Col. Bam. I saw some of them fight at El Canalilo. Yriih such 
men I will not hesitate to rush into the fra}'. 

Eic. (looking at his ica^ch anJ rising. All rine.) It is half-past 
twelve. As soon as v^■e take some j-eireshment we v^ ill set oui. I 
will communicate ri\j plans to you. We have no artillery; our 
arms are very inferior to those of the Spaniards; and Ihey are even 
numericallj,' superior; but some strategy, courage, and, above all, 
the justice 01 our cause, will make up for these deficiencies. 

Col. Bam. It is to be regretted that such a brave people cannot 
command the same resources as their implacable foe. 

Bic. Ah, my dear Colonel Ramsey! if we were only recognized 
as belligerenis l)y some po^.vorfal nation, so that we could have 
some war-ships, ^ve v.ould make short work of the Spanish domi- 
nation in Cuba. 

Col. Bam. I am truly sorry that, deeply as the American people 
sympathize with you in your heroic struggle for freedom, our gov- 
ernment is so bound up by the law of nations, that it can do nothing 
in your behalf. 

liic. My dear friend, I admire and love your country. My 
heart has always glowed Avith enthusiasm for the great North 
American Republic; but I am going to speak in general terms. 
What is international lavr ? By what convention, by what con 
gress of nations were its provisions enacted that it should be bind- 
ing on all? Mark the consequences. Here, shut up from the 
v.orld, is a downtrodden people forced into w^ar. Ours is the 
struggle of right against wrong; of liberty, in the broadest sense 
of the word, against oppression in its most hideous form. Yet all 
the governments on the face of the earth are against us. When 
we send afloat an armed vessel flying our colors, she is treated 
b,y every nation like a piratical craft, whilst the ships of our 
oppressors are protected and honored. Is that strict, impartial 
justice ? Is that right? The heart of the American people — the 
conscience of mankind — say emphatically, " No ! " But then, that 
is international law^. 

Col. Bam. I hope the day is not far distant when, my country 
leading, a code of law^s founded on a higher standard of justice 
will be adopted by the civilized nations. 

Enter, from hut,, a Negress and Negro Boy carrying waiters 
with glasses full of cocoanut milk, sliced pine- apples , oranges, 
bananas, ^c. 

Enr. Let us have some fruit, Colonel Ramsey. Help yourself. 



32 THE C VBAN PA TRIO TS. [ Act II. 

This is some cocoanut milk. I wish I could offer you something 
belter and in a better style. ( TJiey take each a glaiat.) 

Col. Bam. I could not desire anything better just now. {Toast 
ing.) The Cuban cause — may it come out triumphant. 

Ric. and Enr. Thank you, Colonel. {They drink.) 

Enr. Let us take another glass. {They do it.) 

Col. Ram. As yow please. 

Enr. (toasting). Here is the health of our gallant guest. 

Col. Ram. I thank you, Colonel Blanco. {They drink.) 

Enr. Now have some fruit. {They eat.) 

Col. Ram. This pine-apiDle is as sweet as honey, 

Ric. Colonel, I fear w-e shall have to become vegetarians if the 
Spanish bullets spare us long. We have some cattle yet, but I 
apprehend a very protracted struggle. 

Col. Ram. It is impelled by a love of universal freedom that I 
have devoted mysell to your glorious cause, and no hardships 
shall discourage me. 

Ric. {warnxly). And Free Cuba will pr< perly appreciate and 
requite your noble self-abnegation. 

Enr. Try some bananos, Colonel. 

Col. Ram. Thank you, I have had enough. 

Rdc. {taking from his pocket a cigar-case, and offering them 
some cigars.) Let us have a smoke now^ Colonel, these are 
some good Yaras. The tobacco was raised on the very soil where 
our first blow for freedom w as struck. 

Col. Ram. {taking a cigar). This is then a patriotic cigar! I 
thank you, General ; I can appreciate its merits, and will enjoy 
it W'ith double gusto. 

(Enbiqtje strikes fire with flint and steel, lights his cigar, hands 
lighted cigar to Col. Ramsey to light Jiis, and then to Ricardo. 
All smoke.) 

Col. Ram. This cigar has a very sweet flavor and smokes freely. 

( Whistle as before. ) 

Ric. What is this now ?) {All look off\ R.) 

Enr. It is too soon for my father to be back. 

Ric. {looking off, R.) It is Captaili Mendez, one of my aids-de- 
camp. Something must be the matter. He comes in such a 
flurry! {Goes up to meet him.) 

Enter Aid-de-Camp, out of breath. 

Ric. {impatiently). What new^s ? 

Enr. Let him take breath. {Offering him a chair.). Sit dow^n 

Aid. General, Almanegra's column is advancing on the road 
leading to Senor Blanco's hacienda. (Enrique starts; Aid-de- 
Camp sits down.) 

Ric. {astonished, but gratified). Advancing this way ! But 



^Ol 



SckkeL] the CUBAN patriots. m 

that commanding officer must have lost his wits. We could wish 
for nothing better. 

Enr. I tremble for my lather's fate, Ricardo. Likely he is in 
the hacienda now. But hush! {Lowering Ms voice). Let us 
not alarm ray sisters. We must call Rosita down before she sees 
the troops. {(J ailing). Rosita! 

Ro8. {from cliff). Well, Enrique ! 

Enr. Come down. I want you. 

Ros. Can't you come up here? It is the same distance both 
waj^s. 

Ric. (slyly tearing the cockade off' hi^ hat). Come, Rosita, I 
want you to do a little work for me. 

Ros. We have no more slaves — every one has to do his own 
work now. 

Ric. It is a patriotic work. 

Ros. Is it ? I will do it then. ( Comes down. ) 

(Enkique converses icith Colonel Ramsey.) . 

Ros. What is it? 

Ric. {showing his cockade and hat. ) Coming up through the 
thickets I had the cockade you gave me torn off my hat, Will you 
be so kind as to sew it on again ? 

Ros. [taking hat and cockade). Certainly I will ; but you must 
not be so ?^?ikind as to let it be torn off again. 

. Exit Rosita m^(? hut. 

Ric. (quickly). Ko time to lose now. (T6» Aid-de-Camp.) Cap- 
tain, go down as fast as you can, and tell Colonel Miranda to have 
all the forces under arms, but to take everj^ precaution in order 
to avoid a conflict before I join him. (Aid de-Camp bows.) 

Exit AiD-BB-CxMP, R., hurriedly. 

Ric. That column is doomed, Colonel Ramsey. Come and see. 
{They cliinh up the cliff, and look downwards, L.) 

Col. Ram. I understand j^ou, General; we can gain some of 
those hills {pointing off') and rake them. 

Enr. The artillery is just coming through that cattle-gate. 

Ric. {to Enrique, pointing off). Is all the space between that 
hill and this mountain covered with manigua ? 

Enr. It is. 

Ric. What is the nature of the ground on this side of that 
stone fence ? 

Enr. Fifty yards on this side is the bed of a brook, dry at this 
time of the year. About a hundred yards farther this way the 
forest begins. 

{Pause. Ricardo is absorbed in thought.) 



34 THE (J UBAN PA TRIO T8. [Act II. 

Bic. I have my plan, Colonel. I will send a small force to 
attack them on the right ; this will be onlj"^ a false attack for the 
purpose of dividing their forces. As soon as they are stirred up, 
I will, with the main body of my brigade, assail and try to carry 
that stone fence, behind which they will assuredly intrench them- 
selves. At the first firing you will start your men at double- 
quick, endeavoring to gain that hill under cover of the thickets. 
From that hill you can turn their left flank. 

Col. Bam. That is an excellent plan! They will not be able 
to withstand us half an hour. 

Enr. Am I going to take no part? 

Bic. You wnll have your share. Should the enemy be able to 
retreat in some sort of order, they have only that road {pointing 
off) to take. As soon as they come out on the open sabana, let 
your horsemen loose upon them, and — 

Enr. I will turn their defeat into a complete route. I will give 
you a good account of my work. 

Bic. Let us hasten then, each to his post. Ah! I want my hati 

Enr. I would rather avoid taking leave of my sisters. They 
can read in my face that father is in danger. So I will go before 
you. 

Col. Bam I will accompany you, Colonel Blanco. I want to 
see that my forces are all right. 

Bic. I will follow you in a few minutes. 

Exeunt Enrique and Colonel Kamsey, R. 

Bic. .{going up and calling). Rosital I want my hat. 
Bos. {within hut). But your hat does not want you yet. 

Enter Conchita and Rosita from hut., the latter sewing cockade 
on hat. 

Bos. I am sewing the last stitch. I could not sooner find my 
sewing material. {Oives him the hat. As Ricardo puts it on 
about a dozen distant musket-shots are heard. Ricardo listens 
anxiously.) 

Con. {startled). Where is that, Ricardo t 

(Rosita runs to cliff, climbs up., and looks through glass. ) 

Bic. {trying to conceal his excitement). It is, — I don't know, — 
that is nothing, — I hope no collision has taken place. 

Con. {alarmed). Oh, Ricardo! you are concealing something 
from me. Where is Enrique ? 

Bos. {frightened). Oh, Conchita! the troops are in the haci- 
enda! 

Con. {throwing her arms around his neck). My father, Ricardo! 
They won't spare him! 

Bos. {with a wail of anguish). Oh, my Godl They have cap- 



Scene I.] THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 85 

tured my poor father! (Conchita fainU in Ricardo's anm.) 
They have him! {Comes down weeping). Oh, Conchita! Oh, 
Ricardol 
Bic. {alarmed). Oh, God! Conchita has swooned! 

(Camila, Pbrico, Negroes, and Negresses eome down 
alarmed. Rosita Bohs. ) 

Cam. {weeping). Oh, Lord! Nina Conchita! my darling child! 

Ric. {deeply affected). Come to life again, my beloved one. 
Before the sun rises once more on Free Cuba, your father shall 
be rescued, or I will avenge his death. 

END OF ACT 11. 



86r THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. Act IIL 



ACT III. 

Scene l.—Room in Senor Antonio Blanco's hacienda: door, L. R. , 
leading into piazza; a small tcindoio, U. R., six feet above 
floor; tioo windows in flat, barred icithiron railing; door., L., 
communicating with adjoining room. Furniture plain; a 
square table., C., icith writing material ; chairs^ §'c. Time 
— before sundown. 

A Spanish Sergeant discovered at table writing. 
General Almanegra, Captain Montero. 

Oen. Al. Captain, have you the necessar}^ pickets posted in such 
positions as to guard us against a surprise? 

Capt. Mon. I have taken every possible precaution, General; 
but we cannot eflFectively prevent a surprise liere. 

Oen. Al. Issue a general order directing regimental command- 
ers to be in readiness to move to-morrow before daybreak. 

(Capt. Montero goes up to Sergeant and speaks to him in 
dumb show. Gen. Almanegra j:)«ce.9 the stage arrogantly.') 

Capt. Mon. {coming down). Are we going to attack the insur- 
gents on that mountain? 

Oen. Al. No; we are going to countermarch on Cascorro. 

Capt. Mon. I beg your pardon, General; I do not understand 
our movements. 

Gen. Al. Captain Montero, I had always confidence in you, 
and I will trust you with a secret. Clear the room first. 

Capt. Mon. Sergeant you may retire until I call you. 

Sergeant rises., takes up his hat., makes military salute, and 
Exit, R 

Oen. Al. My object in coming to this hacienda was not so 
much to fight the accursed insurgents as to revenge a personal 
grievance ' 



Capt. Mon. And have you succeeded. General? 

Oen. Al. Not quite yet, but I will very soon. You know that 
old man whom our forces captured to day? 

Capt. Mon. Senor Blanco, owner of this hacienda and many 
other properties? 

Oen. Al. The same. He has a beautiful and accomplished 
daughter. I fell desperately in love with her; I declared my 
passion, and offered her my hand, Would you believe it, Cap- 
tain? She peremptorily rejected my offer! 

Capt. Mon. She did I 



Scene L] TBE CUBAN PATRIOTS.. 37 

Gen. Al Yes, Captain! {Indignantly.) She spurned me, 
then a colonel, now a brigadier general in the Spanish regular 
army! Nobody has ever"^ offered the shadow of an insult to an 
Almanegra witiiout having paid very dearly for it. 

Cap. Mon. And you intend to v, reak your vengeance by hav- 
ing her father shot? 

'Gen. Al. Under other circumstances her father would have 
been executed ere this; but I have spared him in order to bring 
her into my power. 

Capt Mon. How will you accomplish your purpose, General? 

Gen. Al. I wrote her k note by one of the negroes captured 
with her father. I told her that if before the sun sets she is not 
here in the hacienda, her father shall be executed. 

Capt. Mon. Will that bring her down? 

Gen. Al. I am certain it will. (Sarcaftically.) She is so 
fondly attached to her parent. 

Cr-'pL Mon. And once she is in your power? 

Gen. Al. I will have my sweet revenge. I will humble her. 
She disdained to be my lady — I will compel her to be something 
less honorable. 

Enter Sergeant, R. 

Serg. (taking off hi.^ hat and making military salute.) I bes 
your pardon, Captain. {Hands Mm a paper.) 

E.vit Sergeant, R. 

Gen. Al. What is it, captain? 

Capt. Mon. {looking over if.) It is Colonel Gomez's official re- 
port of yesterday's engagement. 

Gen. Al. Read it. 

Capt. Mon. {reading). "As I was marching \vith my regi- 
ment on the road to Cascorro, covering the rear of your column, 
we were attacked by several hundred insurgents, who, under 
cover of the thickets, kept up a lively fire for about fifteen min- 
utes. My troops behaved as gallantly as is customary witli 
Spanish soldiers. We have to lament the death of Captain Lin- 
arez and Lieutenant Tellez. We had besides, twelve men killed, 
fifteen wounded, and eight missing. We could not ascertain the 
losses of the enemy." Shall I iiave this report transcribed for 
headquarters? 

Gen. Al. {vexed.) Nonsense! Will these officers never learn 
to do what is right? Destroy that communication. 

Capt. Mon. {tearing paper.) How shall I report this affair? 

Gen. Al. Saj^ that several companies of one of niy regiments 
attacked a thousand insurgents stronglj^ intrenched in the woods; 
that we put them to flight; that the enemy left about a hundred 
dead and wounded on the field, and that We had only one man 
killed and several slightly wounded. 



88 THE CUBAN PATUIOTti. [Act III. 

Oapt. Mon. And how shall I account for the missing men in 
our monthly report? 

Gen. Al. Ascribe their loss to yellow fever. 

Capt. Mon. Excuse me, General, but I can't see the use of thus 
concealing the real facts. 

Oen. Al. You can't see the Use I Do you not understand that 
such accounts as that of Colonel Gomez will encourage the dis- 
affected Cubans who arc not yet in the rebel ranks? 

Capt. Mon. I speak with due respect, General; but, in my 
humble opinion, your course will have the effect of bringing our 
despatches into discredit. 

Oen. Al. Never mind that. The first impression produced by 
them has always a powerful influence. Besides, Captain, {loioer- 
ing his voice) those reports of continued success arc a wonderful 
aid to our personal advancement. I will see that you, as my ad- 
jutant general, share in my promotions. 

Capt. Mon. Many thanks, General. 

Gen. Al. By the way, I want you to impress on every com 
manding officer the necessity of carrying out to the letter the in- 
structions contained in General Vairaaseda's last proclamation. 

Capt. Mon. I will, General, although my heart rebels against 
some points in that proclamation, I am willing to wage war to 
the knife against the insuigents, but not against their women and 
children. 

Gen. Al. {growing out of temper.) Away with that mawkish 
sentimentalism. Captain! War is war, and a soldier should be a 
soldier. 

Capt. Mon. But, General, cruelty will exasperate the enemy, 
and render unsuccessful all our efforts to subdue them. 

Gen. Al. So much the worse for them. We will annihilate 
them ! 

Capt. Mon. What will the civilized world say about us? 

Gen. Al. {angrily.) Let the civilized world go to the devil! 

Capt. Mon: We may even provoke some posverful nation to 
interfere, 

Gen. Al. {^in Oj passion.) The}'^ will never dare, Captain Mon- 
tero. The very name of Spain makes them tremble, 

Capt. Mon. {meekly.) I beg your pardon, General. I did not 
mean to irritate you. I was only expressing my humble opinion. 

Oen. Al. Keep your opinion to yourself; do you understand, 
Captain Montero? Your duty is to obey your superiors' orders 
without any comments. 

Capt. Mon. But, General, I — 

Oen. Al. {indignantly.) Not one word more! I can dispense 
with your presence. 

(Capt. Montero hows and talce.^ a, few steps toicards door, K. ; 
then turns.) 



Scene!.] TUE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 89 

Capt Man. Excuse lue, «creneral, but— 
Qen. AL {yelling at Mm). Captafu Montero! 

Exit Captain Montero, R. 

Qen. Al. {walking too and fro angrily). By all the saints in 
lieaveu ! 

Enfet' Sergeant, U,, hat in hand, and stands respectfully near 
door^ mOjkincj military nalute. 

Gen. AX. What is the matter ? 

8erg. Miss Blanco and her servant arc outside, General. 

Gen. Al. Let her walk in. 

Exit See GE A NT, K., saAvMny. 

Enter Conchita andj Camila, R. The former appear.^ distressed, 
. but calm , the latter greatly troubled. 

Gen. Al. I want to see you alone, riefiorita Blanco, Your ser- 
vant may retire into that room. (Points to door, L.) 
Cam-, (uneafiily), I won't leave you, Nina Conchita! 
(on. G-o, C-.\inilaI (wM-tpers in her ear mysterioiCHly.) 

Exit Camila, L,, reluctantly.) 

(Gen. Almanegra bolt,<i door afier her.) 

Gen. AJ. (cominq down, C. ) You received then mv note, Seh- 
oritn! 

Con. {absently). ''If you are not in the hacienda before the 
sun sets, your father sliall be shot." ( Woefully.) These terrible 
words are burning in my brain with characters of tire. Driven 
out of mind under the excruciating torture they inflict, I am 
here. Yet I know 'tis hoping against hope. {Covers her face in 
a paroxysm of grief. ) 

(Gen. xlLMANEaEA standi^, with folded arms, gazing at her.) 

Con. (raising her head in great anguish). But no! This must 
be but a horrible dream! Such v\'ickedness is not possible! What 
has my poor tather done? Whom has he injured? So good- 
hearted! so generous! You, Sehor Almanegra, know him well. 
You have been a recipient of his bounty. Would you thus 
repay bis past hospitality ? 

Gen. Al. I have to do my duty, Seiiorita. 

Con. But what is my father's crime? 

Gen. Al. He has been harboring and abetting the insurgents. 
He has been found outside his habitation without a justifiable 
motive, and General Valmaseda's orders are positive. 

Con. And do not your human instincts, — does not your very 
manhood revolt against such infamous orders? Would you dis- 
honor the sword of the chieftain by turning it into the knife ot 



40 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act III. 

the executioner ? Would you disgrace the profession of the sol- 
dier, who should only seek to overcome the armed foe in open 
battle, by murdering in cold blood a defenceless old man ? ( With 
deep feeling). Oh I you won't do it? You can save my father ! 

Gen. Al. Yes, senorita, I can save your father. 

Con. (anxioudy). Will you do it, Senor Almanegra? 

Oen. Al. Under a condition. 

Con. {nhuddering) . I should have expected this! 

Qen. Al. Senorita Conchita, when you came in, my feelings 
towards you were not of the kindest sort. I was only bent on 
revenge. But your presence has completely disarmed me, — it 
has revived and intensified my love for you! 

(Conchita turns her face, and shakes her head in despair. ) 

Qen. Al. (impaasionately). Oh, listen to me, Conchita I Vou 
have the power to tame the wilder pari of my nature. You can 
make me humane, — good. Speak only the word — consent to be 
my wife, and your father is safe — nay, I will be the protector of 
all your famil3\ 

Co7i. (agitated). Impossible! I cannot dispose of my heart. 

Oen. Al. But I don't ask you to love me at once. I will win 
your affections in time. All I ask now is your hand. 

Con. Both my heart and hand belong to another. 

Gen. Al. (fiercely). To whom? What is his name ? 

Con. (calmly). Ricardo Agudo! 

Gen. Al. (raging). Him! one of the bitterest enemies of Spain! 
an insurgent chief ! Oh, Senorita Blanco. You have awakened 
the demon in me. What a fool I was! To be begging when I 
can command! (fiendish laugh) Ha! ha! ha! I have you in my 
power! 

(Moves towards her aggressively. Cot^chit a falls back two or three 
steps; then stands., undaunted and majestic, daring him.) 

Con. (energetically). Bew^are, Senor Almanegra! 

Oen Al. (checking himself). Who will dare oppose me here? 
(Advances.) 

Con. (resolutely.) With the help of God, I will. (Dratcs a 
small revolver, and aims at him.) 

Oen. Al. (shrinking). By Jove! 

Con. (firmly). Advance another step, and I fire. 

Oeii. Al. To be killed by a woman! That would be a disgrace. 
You are courageous! 

Con. No, Senor Almanegra! I am only a weak, timid woman. 
I have no heart to kill an insect. I would not strike a blow to 
save my life; but to defend my honor — the honor of my Ricardo, 
I will not hesitate a moment to put an end to your infamous 
existence! 



Scene I. ] THE C UBAN PA TRIO TS. 41 

Oen. Al. {furioudy). Unfortunate! You have sealed your 
father's fate. 

{A distant bugle is heard, sounding the attack, followed by a dis- 
tant rattle of musketry; then drums and bugles nearer, calling 
to arms. Both Conchita and Gen. Almanegra start and 
listen anxiously, but betraying different emotions.) 

Enter Capt. Montero, R., hurriedly. 

Gapt. Mon. {excited). General, we are attacked on the right. 
Fortunately one-half of the brigade were under arms. 
( The fii ing becomes nearer and more lively. ) 
Oen. Al. {quickly). Are our horses saddled ? 
Capt. Mon. I will see to it. 

Exit Capt. Montero, R. 

Oen. Al. {threateningly). Senorita Blanco, I will soon be back! 
Exit Gen. Almanegra, R. , locking door without. 
(CoNCHiTA Hteps about bewildered; then comes doion C, and falh 
on her knees, lifting up her hands in prayer.) 

Con. h.cUh agonizing fervor). God, almighty and just, extend 
thy powerful hand and uphold the cause of right and justice. 
Deliver my unfortunate father from the clutches of the barbarous 
oppressors. Spare my Ricardo and my brother, I beseech Thee, 
Father of Mercies, and if it is thy divine Will that some one 
should be sacrificed, oh, Lord! take my own life and save theirs. 
{Buries her face in her hands.) 

The rattle of musketry becomes furious. The artillery begins to 
play. Knocks at the door. L. 

Cam. {withoui, frightened.) Nina Conchita' Miia Conchita! 

Con. {starting up.) Who is it? 

Cam. {without). Nina Conchita! 

Con. {eagerly, rushing to door, L). Oh! it is Camila! Open 
the door, Camila. Can't you do it? 

Cam. {without). I can't. It is fastened on that side. 

Con. It is so! Oh! my head! {unbolts the door.) 

Enter Camila {They fall into each other's arms.) 

Con. {tremulously). Oh, Camila, don't leave me alone any 
more. I am afraid! 

Cam. No, my darling child. They shall have to kill me before 
they can separate us again. 

{They come down, C.) 

Con. Don't you hear the terrible roar of battle ! 

Cam. 'Tis awful, Nina Conchita. Oh, mercy! May the Lord 
and the blessed Virgin Mary deliver us! 

Con. How many a noble life is being sacrificed! Oh, Camila! 



42 THE a UBA N PA TRIO T8. Act III. 

every shot is piercing my heart with the pangs of death. {Keeps 
listening anxiously. ) 

Cam. If I could only see! (Bunn up to window in flat.) 1 
can't from here. The outhouses are in the way. (Comes down.) 
Ah! maybe from that small windo'w\ (Goes up to window, 
U. R., steps on a chair, and looks off. It begins to grow dark.) 
I see the Spaniards on this side of the stone fence! How quickly 
they fire ! 

Con. Can you see our men V 

Ca7n. The smoke is so thick beyond the fences that I can only 
make out the flashes of their guns. It is getting dark, too. Oh, 
mercy! I see some of the Spaniards killed ! 

(Firing slacken.'^ somewhat; bugles sounding the attack nearer; 
Cheers. ) 

Con. Oh! I hear cheers for Cuba! 

Cam. Oh, Lord! Yes! the Cubans are on the fences! They 
are fighting with the machete and the bayonet. (Horrified). Oh, 
my God! What an awful sight! {Comes down staggering.) 

(Firing more slack; clash of armn; tumult; voices shouting 
Viva Cuba libre! Conchitx and Camila tremblingly hold 
each other by the hand. A lurid light breaks forth through 
door, L., and steadily increases to end of scene). 

Con. (starting). What light is that, Camila ? 
Cam. (rushing to door, L., and back panic-stricken). Oh, Lord! 
The house is on fire! 

(They rush to door, R., and struggle to force it open). 

Cam. (terrified). It is locked! Mercy! mercy! (Runs about). 

(CoNCHiTA, appalled but resigned, leans against door, R. Ca- 
mila ru7is to window, U. R., and steps upon chair). 

Cam. (yelling). Mercy! mercy! Help us, for God's sake! We 
shall be burned alive! Oh, Lord! They don't hear me through 
the uproar! Ah! There is NiiioRicardo! 

Con. (quickly.) Call him, Camila. 

Cam. (yelling). Nino Ricardo! Nino Ricardo! Here! here! 
(Overjoyed). Oh, thank God! He heard me — he is coming. 
( Comes down and embraces Conchit a) . We are saved ! 

(Heavy blows at the door, R. It gives way). 

Enter 'RicAJELDO, R., excited, sword in hand; its blade besmeared 
with blood). 

Ric. (thunderstruck). Conchita! You here! 

Con. I will tell you all. (Eagerly). Where is my father ? 

Ric. I don't know yet. 



Scene II. ] THE C UBAN PA TRIO TS. 48 

Con. (starting violently). Blood on your clothes! Are you 
wounded, my darling? 

Ric, T'is nothing — may be a scratch. But let us go out 
quick\ The fire is gaining rapidly on us. 

{Flames hurst forth through door, L.) 

Exeunt omnes, R. 

(In order to prepare for change of scene, some patriots may rush 
in and carry away furniture.) 



Scene II. — A lawn in Senor Antonio Blanco's hacienda,' a 
stonefence, R.; a field-piece by it and the Cuban flag dis- 
played on the latter; ,so?ne trees, L./ buildings^ U. L., in 
flames; scene illumined by the lurid light of the conflagration. 

Aid-de-Camp, Surgeon, and a crowd of Cuban Patriots, 
white and colored. Some of the latter are discovered carrying 
in wounded m,en on stretchers. 

A Patriot. Viva Cuba libre! 

All. {cheering). Viva! 

Aid. We had a glorious victory, to-day, Doctor! 

8urg. So we had, Captain. But, before giving full vent to our 
exultation, let us see that every wounded man, whether friend or 
foe, is properly attended to. 

Enter Perico, L., horrified. 

Per. Dreadful! dreadful! 
Aid. What is the matter, Perico? 

Per. (indignantly). They have murdered Master Antonio! He 
is there (pointing off, L) weltering in his blood! 

Surg. Come boys, bring a stretcher. We will take him up. 

Exeunt SuRaEON and tico men with a stretcher^ L. 

Per. Oh, the cowards! the assassins! 
Aid. I descry several other corpses on the same spot. 
Per. All defenceless old men and youths! Savages! ( Wailing.) 
Poor misses! This terrible misfortune will kill them! 

Enter Surgeon and two men carrying Senor Antonio Blanco's 
corpse on a stretcher, which they lay down, C. A cloak covers 
his ghastly body. The Surgeon, attended by Perico, examines 
his wounds. Aid-de-Camp and Patriots crowd behind with 
gestures of pity and indignation. 

Enter Ricardo, leading Conchita by the hand., and Camila,U.L. 



44 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act III. 

Ric. {noticing Sii:S'Oii Antonio's corpse, and striving to prevent 
CoiscKiT A from seeing it). Let us go that wa3% dear Oonchita. 

Con. (alarmed, and ^ftruggling to free Jierself). I want to see! 
{Discovering her father's corpse, and breaking forth into a cry of 
anguish.) All! my father! (Faint'i.) 

(Camila ruri-i to the stretcher, kneels down, takes SeS"OR 
Antonio's hand, and kisses it fervently.) 

Cam. {weeping and wailing). Ah, Master Antonio! ray good 
master! 

Per. (moved). Is he dead, Doctor? 

Surg. His life-blood has ebbed away. Three bullets have pene- 
trated his body ; one of them, piercing nis right lung, produced 
an internal hemorrhage. ( Covers his body. ) 

Per. {fervently, taking his hat off) . Oh, God! Father of Mercies! 
receive his soul into thy infinite bosom! {Solemnly kneeling down 
by the corpse.) Master Antonio, I will avenge you! 

Ric. {aff^ected, kissing her). My beloved Conchita! 

Con. {regaining her senses, opening her eyes, and staring around 
vacantly). Where am I? What a lurid light! I see nothing 
but blood, blood! {Recognizing him, and throwing her arnu 
around his neck.) Ah, my dear Ricardo! ( Weeps convulsively). 

Ric. {moved). My darling, try to compose yourself 

Con. Take me to see his dear remains at least, Ricardo! 

Ric. That will do you no good, Conchita. 

Con. {pitifully). I implore you! 

(Conchita, supported by Ricardo, staggers to her father'' s corpse, 
kneels down, and covers his face with kisses. ) 

Con. {wailing mournfully). Farewell, my dear father, farewell 
forever! No more will, you kindly look upon me in this world; 
no more will your aft'ectionate voice gladden my ear. Poor Rosita! 
Your genial gaiety is now blighted forever! {Keeps weeping to 
the end. CamituA. does the same. All appear moved.) 

(Tumult and cheers without, L.) 

Ric. {coming down). What is that? 

Aid. {looking off, L.). General Almanegra is our prisoner, 
General. {Great commotion.) 

Ric. A God almighty and just would not let the wicked go 
unpunished, even in this world. 

Enter Gen. Almanegra, L., a man holding him by each arm, 
and followed by a guard of Patriots. Ricardo advances to 
meet him threateningly , but restrains himself with great effort. 

Ric. {struggling with his wrath, and pointing to corpse). There 
is your cowardly work, and that is only one of your many crimes 
against humanity and civilization. What do you deserve ? 



Scene II.] THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 45 

G. Al. {defiantly, but betraying mine emotion). I do not want 
any of your'taunts. Have me shot right off. There are fifteen 
millions of Spaniards behind me to fill up my place. JTad you 
fallen into my hands, I would ni>t have spared you a minute! 

{Great indignation among the Patriots. Some of them approach 
him threafeningly.) 
Ut. Pat. Death to the tyrants! 
2d Pat. Let us hang him ! 

Ric. (energetically). Hold! keep off! (Patriots delist.) Not a 
single hair of his Jiead must be touched. I will see that justice 
is done. 

(Perico, machete in hand, come-i down, and kneels.) 

Per. (passionately entreating). Nino Ricardo, for what you 
hold most sacred ; for the memory of your good mother, let me 
avenge my kind master. Release that man; give him a weapon, 
that I may meet him in fair fight — that I may have tlie satisfac- 
tion of hacking him to pieces, even if it costs me my life! 

Ric. (firmly). No, Perico, (Perico ri^es, grievously disap- 
pointed.) If it were a question of vengeance, I should be the first 
to wreak it. It is a question of justice. {To Aid-de Camp.) 
Captain, convene a court-martial to-morrow morning to try that 
prisoner. Let him be punished for his revolting offences; but 
let it be done according to the laws of civilized warfare. Take 
him in charge. You will be responsible to me for his safe -keeping. 

•Exeunt Gen. Almanegra, Aid-de-Camp, and Guard, L. 

Ric. {taking the Cuban flag, and holding it up. All uncot&r 
their heads). My countrymen! here? under the folds of this — our 
single-starred banner — by the blood of our noble martyrs — let us 
solemnly resolve never to lay down our arms until we shall wipe 
out the last vestige of Spanish tyranny in America. Cubans, 
three hearty cheers for Free Cuba! 

All. Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! 

THE END, 



COSTUMES AND PROPERTIES 

Iight^carneff^3am^^^^^^ Act I. 

gloves; white liandker4ief anhln^ °^f,t^%Wack silk hat, ki( 
general's uniform-^%hf-c^^^^ 1 nf ; .^''l' ^ ^,^^ ^^I' cibai 
two golden stars on cSllaiS ^^-'^ ^^^ j^^^^t 

ade on left side; svvord revolver Lld^^^^ ^ ^"''^"^ ^^^^ 

SeS'or Antonio Blanco WHpI^ '''^^^■''*'^' ^^^^l^- 
white linen pants and vesTwhUp npr.t ^.k'^. i^'^? ^*^^- ^ct I. . 
iat, spectacles. Act II S Iht oX^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^*^' ^^^3' «ilk 
jacket, straw liat ' ^ ''''^'''^^^ ^^^^'^ Pants, vest: and 

Pf^-^'"^-^^^^^^^ {^ w^ite linen 

gloves ; second dress, colored HneTi' nint '^l ^°'] '^^^ ^^^' ^id 
hat, spurs. Act II, cS coWrf^ '-/"'^^ and jacket, straw 
and jacket, shoulde •-straTwUh thll ""Y^ ^^'^ linen pants 
Fith Cuban cockade; wirdreyo^^^^^^ 1T ,''^'^'u^f ^^^^ ^^' 
pers, &c.; tinder-box, Ct and Itl?'' '^'""^'^ ^^^^ l^^^^-s. Pa- 

A^tspf^^l^SJ^^tnrS^f?^ l^.-^PP^^/^-e. 
scSb^e^d J^rr-^^^^^ ^-^^ ctl^coK^^^^^ 
captr'su^rr--''^^" ^^--^-^-^ ^- close. Spanish 

bhSrp^aLTstl^strfc^ 

(a red circlet with a braL^XntTent T'^ ^^^^^^^ ^°^^^^« 

Ac^^HnTfiti^tr^^^ £rk ^^^ ^-^- 

machete and revolver ' "^^° -1^^^^^ straw hat; 

^roM^^^lt^ei^.^^^^ clress, silk em- 

and III, plain light-colored lawn ^^^^^^^^^ tastily dressed. Acts II 

shades of colortwo^Xrcockadr ~""'"" "''■■^' ^'^-'-S '» 
chEf«ed"7onferht"''"'''=°''^^^'' '""^ "andanua handker- 

Negro srAvr^'^R^'-T^^"" '"'ove) mSsket., &c. 
cJeTsomf^fsSa-^frJ'r^s'"'"'^ ^"'^ ^hin.' straw hat; ma- 



ERRATA. 



15 
16 
16 

18 
22 
36 



8 

22 

31 

36 

5, 8, 11 

4 



READS 

repectfully 
thkir 
near him 
Enters 
8, Al 
M. R. 
revenge 



SHOULD READ 

respectfully, 
their, 
near her. 
Enter. 
G. Al. 
U.R. 
•avenge. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 





001 266 592 1 



i 



For permission to perform this Play, apply to the author, 
Adolfo Pierra, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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